Would reconsider retirement for Kirsten

Johannesburg: The veteran South African wicketkeeper-batsman Mark Boucher, who in March announced that he would most likely retire at the end of the England tour in August, has now said that he would reconsider his decision of approached by the right people.

Though he was not looking at extending his career beyond South Africa's third and final Test at Lord's in August, Boucher said he would seriously reconsider should the head coach Gary Kirsten request him to, leaving him in content_cnion for South Africa's tour of Australia later in the year. "I've spoken to a couple of people and they've said it's my last tour, but if people who count ask me to finish off against the Australians, then I'd have to think about it," he said. "I do understand that playing against Australia is a massive competition and if I get asked by my coach, Gary Kirsten, to stay on and play, then I might seriously consider it."

The 35-year-old has been South Africa's premier wicket-keeper for 15 years and has only missed three Tests since making his debut in 1997. South Africa are scheduled to play three Tests against England in July-August, and Boucher said he was pretty settled on retiring after that series – which would take his tally of Test caps to 150. "My mind is set on finishing after England, hopefully playing all three Test matches, and finishing my career on 150 Tests for my country. If that happens, I would walk away very happily.

The veteran wicketkeeper, who has a record 555 Test dismissals, had earlier announced his decision to retire in August.

"There is just one little 'if' – if my coach asked me – but I'm not putting any pressure on him. The only way I would go against my decision was if there was a serious question asking if I could stay on. At this stage in my international career, I'm finishing after Lords."

Boucher, who has taken a world record 555 Test dismissals behind the stumps, was this week honoured by Cricket South Africa for 15 years of dedicated service. "They didn't have to do it. It's not something I really wanted or asked for, but it's just nice to know that people do appreciate the things you do and have done for your country," he said. "It was nice having my parents next to me when I received the award and I know that they feel proud."

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